Just one day after an analyst report relayed that the next-gen iPhone would not come equipped with NFC technology, BGR is reporting, citing several well-placed sources, that Apple may be integrating NFC technology into its stores.

First off, Apple’s POS devices — its iPod touch-based wireless payment terminals — recently all went offline for “maintenance” for an entire day, leaving customers unable to purchase some items or return merchandise. Additionally, we have been told that there were recently multiple “overnights” in Apple retail locations, which required store employees to “assist in installing TBD devices” throughout the stores “as the retail segment of Apple grows.” Lastly, sources tell us that there have been new tables installed in stores that have different wiring compared to Apple’s standard tables.

So what does this all mean?

Well, one of BGR’s sources explains that all of the aforementioned changes might have been made to bring about NFC processing capabilities to Apple’s retail stores. Assuming that’s true, could NFC enabled iPhones be closer than we think?

Might this also have something to do with the 10 year anniversary of Apple’s retail initiative?

The first two Apple retail stores opened up for business on May 19, 2001. Intriguingly, Apple has reportedly restricted employee off time from May 20 through May 22, prompting some to speculate that Apple is planning a special product launch or announcement in the next few days.